Ingestion of Plastics in a Wild Population of the Pacific Fat Sleeper (Dormitator latifrons)

Abstract

Abstract: This is the first report of plastics ingestion by the neotropical fish Dormitator latifrons. The stomach contents of 20 specimens (10 males and 10 females) collected in La Segua wetland (Ecuador) were assessed visually. Frequency of occurrence (FO) of plastics was 50% and the plastic load (PL) was between 5 and 55 particles per individual. Ninety-seven percent of plastic particles found were microplastics (<5.0 mm), and 3% were larger. No significant differences were found in PL between females and males (>0.05). No significant correlation was found between fish size and PL (>0.05). Fibers were the most frequently observed category, and transparent and blue colors were the most abundant. The results suggest high levels of plastic pollution in waters of La Segua wetland that may represent a threat to both the ecosystem and the people who rely on it.